HM-260B “Editorial Corrections and Clarifications”
On December 27, PHMSA published the Final Rule HM-260B, “Editorial Corrections and Clarifications,” which amends the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 171-180) to correct typographical errors and supply information or language that had been inadvertently omitted. Changes include fixing incorrect regulatory references and citations, addressing misstatements of certain regulatory requirements, as well as removing obsolete references to regulatory provisions, dates, and outdated concepts (such as other regulated materials-domestic (ORM-D)).
Enhanced Safety Provisions for Lithium Batteries Transported by Aircraft (FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018)
On December 21, PHMSA published the Final Rule “Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Safety Provisions for Lithium Batteries Transported by Aircraft (FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018),” which revises HMR requirements for lithium cells and batteries transported by aircraft. This follows the previous Interim Final Rule, published in March 2019, which responded to congressional mandates, prohibited the transport of lithium ion cells and batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft, required lithium ion cells and batteries to be shipped at not more than a 30 percent state of charge aboard cargo-only aircraft when not packed with or contained in equipment, and limited the use of alternative provisions for smaller lithium cell or battery shipments to one package per consignment.
In response to subsequent comments, this final rule provides editorial amendments and modification of certain provisions, including marking requirements, requests for an extension on the compliance date, and exception for lithium cells or batteries used for medical devices with approval by the Associate Administrator.
